You're hired - Gwynedd Council's new apprentices get to work

Gwynedd Council is investing in the next generation of the workforce through its apprenticeship scheme with 17 local recruits having already taken up their posts.

The new apprentices who have recently taken up their posts are working in a variety of different fields, ranging from Information Technology to Engineering and Social Care.

Through the scheme, the new apprentices are able to receive the relevant training and new skills by working side-by-side with experienced officers, learning first-hand how to do the work and how to deal with situations. Some are also attending formal courses for a set number of hours a week and complete assignments so that they gain recognised qualifications at the end of the apprenticeship. All this while earning a wage.

Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for staff development said:

“Welcoming the new apprentices to the Council was one of my proudest moments as a Councillor so far. They are talented and inspiring young people and, thanks to this new scheme, they have the chance to start their career and get training at the same time - I wish them every success for the future and look forward to seeing how they progress with the Council.

“Our aim at Gwynedd Council is to plan our workforce so that we are in the best place possible to answer the needs of local people in the future. I’m also pleased with the diversity of this latest intake and I’m particularly proud that we’re working to redress the gender imbalance in some sectors, with female apprentices taking up posts in the technology and engineering sector and males taking up roles in the care services.

“The apprenticeship scheme is not only an investment in our own workforce, it is also a vote of confidence in our communities. We want talented and hardworking people to be able to stay here in the area, to build their careers and to thrive.”

The apprentices working for Gwynedd Council include:

Non Medi Jones – Digital Marketing Apprentice

Non Jones from Pwllgoleulas near Porthmadog is working for Byw’n Iach (who run the Council’s leisure facilities) as a social media and digital marketing apprentice.

“I’m really enjoying the experience of working in an office as well as being able to travel Gwynedd to visit different Byw’n Iach centres. An apprenticeship like mine proves that you don’t need to head to a big city to get the training that you need to develop your career.

“As part of the apprenticeship, I’m studying for a social media and digital marketing qualification. Leaving education can be enough to frighten anyone, but starting a career by still learning at the same time is perfect for me – it enables me to gain a great qualification which I hope will allow me to progress my career.”

Steffan Chambers – Senior Care Apprentice

Steffan Chambers from Dyffryn Ardudwy has also started with the Council recently as a senior care apprentice with the Council.

“After studying for a degree at Aberystwyth University and working down in south Wales for a few months, I was delighted to be able to come back to Meirionnydd.

“I’m working with the home care team at the moment and it’s great to be able to work alongside and learn from colleagues who have great experience and knowledge. As part of the work, I’m sharing time between the office and being out in the community so I’m able to gain experience of the office-setting as well as working with members of the public.

“I’m also following a management qualification in health and social care as part of my apprenticeship and hope this will help me to develop. I hope the experience I’m gaining will stand me in good stead in the future to continue working for the Council in this sector.”

Sion Grenet – Software Engineering apprentice

Sion William Grenet from Caernarfon is doing a Digital Degree Apprenticeship in Software Engineering with the Council’s IT Service. After completing his A-Levels, Siôn took a year out when he had the opportunity to do voluntary work in Zambia for three months.

“I believe that taking an apprenticeship is a great way of developing my skills while working, and it’s a good opportunity to work with people who are skilled and experienced in the field,” said Siôn.

“I’m looking forward to learning as I’m working, since this will give me a better idea of how things work in practice as opposed to in theory.”

Ceris Jones - Civil Engineering apprentice

Ceris Alaw Jones from Penygroes has started on her Civil Engineering Apprenticeship, working in the Council’s Highways and Municipal Department.

Having studied Product Design at university for a year, Ceris decided the course wasn’t for her and returned home to Gwynedd to take up her new role.

“I’m currently learning how to carry out inspections on the A55 and other roads in Arfon,” explained Ceris.

“I have also been going to meetings and finding out about the systems the Council uses and I’m also learning about various office tasks.”